As parliament resumed its budget session after a break, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, minister of state for parliamentary affairs speaks to Sweta Ranjan on the business and the challenges. Excerpts:
 
What important legislations are lined up for remaining part of the budget session?

One is the land bill and those opposing it are unfortunately those who had opposed it in 2013 also. A meeting was held in June 2014 in Vigyan Bhawan with representatives from 23 states and union territories. Most of them had opposed the 2013 land bill passed by the Congress-led UPA government. They had said the 2013 bill is anti-development and anti-farmer. It will act as a speed-breaker for the development of the country. They wanted some changes and we worked in that direction. Land reforms, labour reforms, judicial reforms and administrative reforms are being brought by our government is working. Congress chief ministers are writing that the Land Bill of 2013 would prove disastrous. Then there is talk that the new bill is primarily for the corporates and business houses. I fail to understand this. Why the people who want to purchase land should go to the government. They can directly take it from the farmers. The farmers are also ready to give land at better and high prices. The whole confusion is going to damage the farmers the most.

What plans you have to tackle this?

We are in touch with leaders. We expect some positive response from them during the session and their support. Look, last time also the Congress had decided to oppose the coal bill and the mines bill. They also opposed the insurance bill. With this kind of attitude they are getting isolated not only in the eyes of people but also within the opposition ranks.

Who all have you spoken to reading this in the opposition?

Almost all. I can’t mention names but we are talking to all of them.

The coal bill is not affecting the people directly but the land acquisition bill will directly affecting them. Will it not be a difficult task to pass this bill?

No, I say every work is difficult because in Rajya Sabha we don’t have majority. In Rajya Sabha if opposition decides to work against the bill it would be possible for them to impede its passage. We are trying to get their co-operation. They have to understand these are not our personal issues. This is the matter that will benefit the nation. Except for Congress, most of the opposition parties are positive. We have told them that if they feel there is a need for amendments in the bill then the parliament is open for such changes. They should give some concrete reasons instead of opposing it without any reasons.

Any women related legislation going to come up in this session?

Surely, our focus is to empower the whole nation that includes women, employment for youth. The aim is also to empower the poor and downtrodden. We are focusing on all these issue. We launched jan dhan scheme and this removes powerbrokers and the middlemen. The benefits of central government schemes will directly reach the poor and those in need.